New Jersey to become first state to require building contractors to consider climate change impact

New Jersey will become the first state in the U.S. to require builders to consider the impact of climate change in order to gain project approval.

The governor said the state will not sign off on a proposed building project if it does not align with broader efforts to combat climate change. A non-compliant plan would have to be amended or it would not be approved.

Murphy’s plan employs seven key strategies for emissions cuts. These include expanding use of electric vehicles, accelerating the growth of the state’s renewable energy sector, strengthening energy efficiency standards, and expanding the clean energy economy.

The governor also signed a new executive order for new regulatory reforms to make the Garden State more resilient to future climate change impacts. Among them: Reform land use rules to further reduce development in flood-prone areas and to restore wetlands.

Faster delivery of buildings isn’t always associated with sustainability benefits or long-term value, but things are changing. An instructive case is in the development of steel structures that not only allow speedier erection times, but also can reduce embodied carbon and create durable, highly resilient building approaches.

Building Team | Nov 7, 2022

U.S. commercial buildings decreased energy use intensity from 2012 to 2018

The recently released 2018 Commercial Buildings Energy Consumption Survey (CBECS) by the U.S. Energy Information Administration found that the total floorspace in commercial buildings has increased but energy consumption has not, compared with the last survey analyzing the landscape in 2012.

Codes and Standards | Nov 2, 2022

New York City construction official wants to boost design-build

The new associate commissioner of alternative delivery in New York City’s Department of Design and Construction aims to encourage more design-build project delivery in the city.

| Nov 1, 2022

Updated Florida building codes helped newer homes withstand Hurricane Ian

Newer homes seemed to fare much better than older structures during Hurricane Ian, suggesting that updated Florida building codes made a difference.

Data Centers | Oct 31, 2022

Data center construction facing record-breaking inflation, delays

Data center construction projects face record-breaking inflation amid delays to materials deliveries and competition for skilled labor, according to research from global professional services company Turner & Townsend.